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The distant screams of citizens fill the air, with a suffocating cloud of terror. The edge of the city is the most recent victim to the cracks running through ground, swallowing the buildings, the people- anything in its way. As the ground splits, taking people into the depths of the void; the horizon is blacked out, snuffing out city lights, the sun, and moon.
On the other side of the city stands an apartment building; people are pushing through the crowd to get away. However the void is quickly approaching from all sides- they know that no one will be able to escape. One man stands out in the terrified mob. While everyone runs from the apartment building he runs in; sweating and breathing heavily. He runs up to the elevator smashing the button, he curses after it doesn't work, stopping for a second. Gasping while holding back his black hair, he leans his head back sucking in as much oxygen as he can, hoping to somewhat recover. He exhales heavily. Continuing to run up the stairs.
When he reaches the third floor, he stops. The atmosphere in hall is drastically different from that of the streets- even the main lobby. The long stretch of the building is silent, the walls; lined with untouched doors and small light fixtures, (most of them broken or flickering). Meanwhile in the silent halls, he can hear the echoes of screams in the streets and lobby. The boy swallows, the anxiety and acceptance of inevitable death choking him.
As he sprints down the hall, panting- his lungs demanding a break. He comes to an abrupt stop at room 112. He bangs on the door, three times, after the third he loses balance as another earthquake hits. No one answers. He tries the door handle, unsurprisingly it opens. He enters the room, slamming the door behind him. He walks through the short entryway until the living room comes into view.
The small room feels constricting, the quakes of the earth seemingly shrinking the walls around him. The dark haired man stops, finding what he ran across the city for. Another, smaller man, is seated on the large gray coach. His eyes- glued to the static of the tv, begging for it to turn back on, begging for some good news. The blonde hair of the smaller man is falling out of its usual braids, the loose strains framing his paling face. He is hugging a mug of cold tea close to his chest.
“Albedo..?” The taller man calls out as he walks towards the couch, reaching out a shaky hand, to touch Albedo’s shoulder. When he does, the man flinches. The tea falls forward spilling onto the rug.
“Xiao?!” Albedo yells. He quickly moves around the couch, to cling to his partner. They stay that way for a minute, Xiao letting go first, moving his hands from Albedo’s back to his jaw. He cups Albedo’s face; the color of his blue eyes stand out, due to the redness from crying.
Albedo speaks up first, His voice a little hoarse. “Did you run all the way across town? You are hardly breathing there Xiao. ” Xiao dryly chuckles, smiling down at him.
“You called, didn't you? I thought I remembered saying I would always answer, yes?” Xiao muses a genuine smile across his face.
“Besides, there's no one I would rather spend the end of the fucking world with.” Albedo grins leaning in, kissing him sweetly for a single moment. Xiao follows him as he pulls away and catches his lover's lips kissing him back softly.
Albedo steps around Xiao, his smile falling slightly. Entering the kitchen he opens one of the cupboards, getting out two mugs. He starts to re-boil some tea water, the blonde feels two arms sneak around his waist holding Albedo’s back against the other’s chest. Albedo leans his head back, resting it on Xiao’s shoulder. Albedo inhales his voice catching in his throat. Xiao rocks them side to side, kissing the head of blonde hair. Albedo exhales a shaky breath, silent tears finding their way through tightly shut eyes. The tears trailing down his face, dripping off his chin, then sliding down to the center of his neck, wetting the diamond tattoo drawn there.
The silence is broken by the squealing of the teapot. Albedo grabs the pot, pouring the steaming water into the two mugs. He dips two teabags into the cups, picking one up- giving it to Xiao. The latter stares at the mug, raising an eyebrow.
“Might as well, right? The void is eating the damn world. Might as well drink some good tea.”
“The void?” Xiao inquires.
“That's what the news was calling it, but I was just thinking- instead of hopelessly running around the city, for however long it takes for the void to shallow the rest of the city.” Albedo anxiously scratches the back of his neck. “So, I thought we could spend our last moments here.” Albedo’s arm falls as he sighs weakly, “Together.” Regaining his composure, he walks back over to the stove, picking up his own mug.
“You're so..calm.. why?” Albedo asks, turning back to face Xiao, while leaning against the counter. Xiao sips his tea, flinching a little at the heat. He sets it down, placing his hands on the counter.
“Everyone handles things differently, just because I look calm doesn’t mean I’m not scared. I’m-” He chokes a little on his words.
“I’m terrified. I watched the ground- shallow whole buildings! I mean fuck. yeah, the world is ending and we are going to die.” A brief silence settles between the two.
Xiao breaks the silence. “But, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.” Albedo smiles, walking in front of his partner again.
Albedo grabs the other’s hand pulling him into the living room. He hums softly pulling Xiao into a sort of waltz, Albedo continues humming, giving the dance some rhythm. Xiao joins in, roughly harminsing with Albedo’s somewhat higher voice. The dance starts to slow, to just them rocking back and forth. The blonde’s face buried in Xiao’s chest, just breathing, breathing in and out calming his mind, trying to stay in the moment.
“Hey love?” Xiao hums in response.
“Wanna make some pie?” Albedo asks weakly. Xiao forces out a laugh, smiling down at him, Xiao watches Albedo’s face fall, his ears reddening slightly. “Shut up. You could just say no, you know.” Albedo pouts, letting go of Xiao to cross his arms in defiance.
“Okay, okay who said I didn’t want to?” Xiao also crosses his arms, amusingly watching Albedo stomp back over to the kitchen. The blonde turns to stick his tongue out at Xiao. He picks up his pace when Xiao chases him into the kitchen. Albedo defends himself by grabbing a rolling pin from a drawer, being threatened- Xiao backs off. Albedo holds a smug look knowing he won, therefore he hands Xiao some pie dough from the fridge.
“Go ahead and roll that out, I’ll mix the filling and start the oven.” Xiao stays put, staring at the rolling pin in Albedo’s hand. The blonde finally notices, he does in fact, still has the only rolling pin and tosses it to his partner. Xiao starts warming up the dough. Then rolls it out to fill the pan. While Albedo is measuring out the sugar, cherries, and lemon juice- (for the filling) Xiao gets an idea. He finishes before the blonde, turning to watch Albedo, he spots the flour container next to him. He smirks devising a plan as he walks over with the dough filled pan. He sets it next to Albedo, as a distraction, while he grabs a handful of flour. Albedo notices the other’s movements, silently waiting for Xiao’s attack. Then turning quickly to grab his own handful.
Too late.
Xiao was faster covering Albedo’s hair and face in flour. The blonde laughs, quickly grabbing his own hand full, returning the favor- by whitening the black hair of his partner. Xiao tries reaching for more ammo, however Albedo stops him by grabbing the whole container, running off with it and jumping onto the couch. Xiao grabs a pillow as a shield as Albedo reloads, the pillow helps a little but can’t protect Xiao’s back, the after splash of flour whitening his black shirt.
Xiao knows he has to take down this tyrant, before he takes over the couch. He distracts Albedo by throwing the pillow, aiming between his eyes. He runs around the couch knocking the flour container on the ground, jumping at the blonde, and tackling him down onto the couch.
Xiao pins his hands against the couch, trapping Albedo below him. “Say you’re sorry.” Albedo shakes his head, turning it to the side to avoid his partner’s piercing hazel eyes. “You have one more chance, or else.” Xiao warns.
Albedo doesn’t respond, wiggling his wrist around, in an effort to escape. Xiao sighs, “You leave me no choice. I’m sorry my love.” He lets go of Albedo’s wrist, tickling him with no mercy.“Haha- Xiao! Xia- wait! Stop haha!” Albedo begs in between breaths. The room fills with laughter, finally Xiao stops, leaning his back against the armrest. Albedo sits up laughing quietly, a huge smile across his face.
Albedo soon follows him, draping himself across Xiao’s chest. They kiss again, slowly, Albedo moves his hand to Xiao’s neck, moving it up to tangle his fingers into the black hair. Resting his other hand on Xiao’s shoulder. Xiao hums, hands moving around the blonde's waist, hugging Albedo closer to his chest. The kiss speeds up a little, breath quickening. Xiao’s hands slide under the other's hoodie slowly sneaking up Albedo’s bareback. Albedo shivers, loving as rough cold hands caress his back. Albedo pulls slightly at others' hair as he opens his mouth a little. Xiao is happy to accept, following suit. Xiao pushes Albedo forward, caging the blonde below him. He kisses down Albedo's neck, stopping under his ear for a moment. Albedo whimpers once Xiao continues down his neck stopping at the tattoo, nipping at the skin. He moves up again, finding Albedo’s lips, kissing them slowly. Albedo bites the others’ bottom lip, pulling away, breaking the kiss. He pulls his partner's head down, leaning his forehead against the others, Xiao smiles leaning in, kissing him, he pulls back falling against the armrest again.
Xiao watches the blonde, taking in his beauty; the loose braids form soft curls that frame his soft features. His eyes, such a deep blue he could dive in- getting lost in the color. A realization hits Xiao. He loves Albedo, the world is ending, they are going to die here. Xiao knows he will never get a chance to do this, he knows how shit their situation is right now. Nonetheless, he knows that just them together, is enough.
“Hey L,” Albedo turns to Xiao. “I’m going to ask this now since- now is all we have left.” Xiao motions for Albedo. They sit facing each other, Xiao, gently taking Albedo’s hands in his. He brings Albedo's left hand to his mouth, kissing it softly.
“Will you marry me?” Xiao says quickly. “We might not be able to grow old together if you say yes. But..I know I will always find you. Doesn’t matter where, or when! Whatever, I fucking promise, I will always find you.”
Xiao confesses, letting go of Albedo’s hands to cup his face, stroking the blonde’s cheek with his thumb. He waits for a reaction. Here it comes, tears fall down Albedo’s cheeks, a large smile spreading across his face. He holds Xiao’s hands, nodding his head.
“Yes, of course!” He yells. Albedo cries into Xiao’s shoulder, hugging him so tightly as if Xiao would fade away if he let go. His tears of happiness and grief falling down his face, he grabs at the black shirt pulling him impossibly close.
Xiao kisses the blonde hair, his own eyes start to water, thoughts of grief and regret flooding his head. Will it hurt? Why? Why couldn't we have more time? Fuck whatever, god deicded to end the world. Not much they can do about that.
Albedo inhales heavily, his tears slowing down, he pulls back looking into his partner's hazel eyes. He quietly stands, walking towards the bathroom somewhere down the hall. He returns shortly holding something, a bottle. Albedo stops in front of him, placing it in Xiao's hand. He immediately recognizes it. Albedo’s sleeping medication.
“For a painless death.” Albedo whispers. “Maybe it will work, I’m not sure but-” his voice audibly shaking. ”But, we might as well try.” Xiao smiles bitterly, guiding him back into his arms. Albedo returns to his original position, hands clinging to Xiao’s back, face against his neck. Another earthquake hits. It shakes the entire building, the walls cracking under the pressure.
Xiao reaches over grabbing the pill bottle, he taps Albedo’s shoulder, handing him a few, then taking some himself.
A few minutes pass, the walls collapse, the ceiling is cracking. Xiao rocks them in a soothing motion, calmly humming to Albedo and himself. They are both on the edge of sleep. The books fall from the shelves. Albedo cuddles closer into the other’s neck. Xiao can feel him shaking, hugging him tighter, silently begging the gods for more time- to freeze time, just for them.
The ceiling caves in, the rubble comes crashing down on them. Xiao feels the wetness from Albedo’s tears on his neck, sliding down his own skin. The watering in his eyes overflows, pouring down his face. Albedo whispers into Xiao’s skin.
“Promise to find me in the next life?” Xiao chokes out a cry, exhaling before answering.
“I promise.” Albedo’s cries loudly, his composure completely breaks. Xiao continues to heavily exhale, holding back his cries.
“I love you so much L.” He says, struggling to keep his voice level.
“I love you too.” The ruble, falling faster, the medication in their bodies not able to keep up. They let out one last breath, the ruble crushing them, the building splits in two. They die together, the void swallowing them whole.